Massage Therapy Continuing Education
Licensed massage therapists must complete at least 8 hours of continuing education every two years. (SDCL 36-35-19) Qualifying continuing education is any course with a clear purpose and objective which maintains, improves, or expands the skills and knowledge relevant to massage therapy of the human body. Qualifying continuing education must meet the definition of massage therapy pursuant to § 36-35-1(3) or be education presented by an approved provider of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, American Medical Massage Association, or Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. College courses used to meet continuing education requirements must not replicate courses submitted by the licensee to meet the required licensing coursework. An academic semester credit equals 15 continuing education hours and a quarter credit equals 10 continuing education hours. (ARSD 20:76:03)
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification from the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross or another course deemed equivalent by the board is qualifying continuing education for up to four hours in each continuing education cycle. In-person attendance of a board meeting is qualifying continuing education for up to two hours in each continuing education cycle. No other qualifying continuing education may be repeated in consecutive continuing education cycles.
Any or all of the required 8 hours of continuing education may be obtained electronically (online or by other electronic means).
In-person attendance of a board meeting is qualifying continuing education for up to two hours in each continuing education cycle. (ARSD 20:76:03)
Continuing education requirements must be met every two years. The current continuing education cycle runs from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2026. Continuing education used to meet renewal requirements must be taken during the current continuing education cycle.
Because continuing education is required every two years, continuing education is prorated based on the initial date of your licensure. If you were licensed before October 1, 2024, you must show proof of 8 hours of continuing education to renew your license by September 30, 2026. If you were licensed after October 1, 2024, please refer to the following for the continuing education hours required to renew your license by September 30, 2026:
- October 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025 - 8 hours of continuing education required
- April 1, 2025 - September 30, 2025 - 6 hours of continuing education required
- October 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026 - 4 hours of continuing education required
- April 1, 2026 - May 31, 2026 - 2 hours of continuing education required
You are required to submit proof of your continuing education every two years. You will need to show proof of the 8 hours of required continuing education in even-numbered years.
You are responsible for maintaining proof of your continuing education to submit to the Board. (ARSD 20:76:03:05)
The Board does not maintain a list of continuing education opportunities.
Licensees are responsible for finding continuing education that meets the Boards' requirements. The Board accepts continuing education that has a clear purpose and objective which maintains, improves or expands the skills and knowledge relevant to massage therapy. Qualifying courses must meet the definition of massage or be presented by an approved provider of NCBTMB or AMMA. If you have questions about whether a continuing education course qualifies, please see the Board of Massage Therapy Policies and Positions.